Automated uv-led exposure of flexographic printing plates

ABSTRACT

Method for producing flexographic printing plates, using as starting material a photopolymerizable flexographic printing plate which at least comprises, arranged one above another,
         a dimensionally stable support,   at least one photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer, at least comprising an elastomeric binder, an ethylenically unsaturated compound and a photoinitiator,   a digitally imagable layer,
 
comprising at least the following steps:
       (a) producing a mask by imaging the digitally imagable layer,   (b) exposing the flexographic printing plate through the mask with actinic light, and photopolymerizing the image regions of the layer, the exposing taking place with a plurality of UV-LEDs which are arranged on at least one UV-LED strip which is moved relative to the surface of the flexographic printing plate, and   (c) developing the photopolymerized layer by washing out and drying or by thermal development,
 
characterized in that
       in the UV-LED strip or in a separate strip, at least one ultrasonic sensor is arranged,   at least the thickness of the flexographic printing plate for exposure is determined with the at least one ultrasonic sensor,   depending on the measured thickness of the flexographic printing plate, the exposing of the flexographic printing plate is controlled in respect of at least one of the following parameters:
           (i) number of exposure steps,   (ii) exposure intensity,   (iii) energy input per exposure step,   (iv) duration of the individual exposure steps,   (v) overall duration of exposure.

The present invention relates to an automated method for the UV-LEDexposure of flexographic printing plates, using ultrasonic sensors.

The most widespread method for producing flexographic printing platesinvolves the imagewise exposure of the photopolymerizable,relief-forming layer with actinic radiation, especially longwave UVradiation, through a mask produced digitally or photographically. In afurther method step, the exposed layer is treated using a suitablesolvent or solvent mixture, with the unexposed, unpolymerized regions ofthe relief-forming layer being dissolved, while the exposed, polymerizedregions are retained and form the relief of the printing plate.

Digital imaging of photosensitive flexographic printing elements isknown in principle, In this context, flexographic printing elements arenot produced conventionally, by placement of a photographic mask,followed by exposure through the photographic mask. Instead, the mask isproduced in situ directly on the flexographic printing element by meansof appropriate technologies. Flexographic printing elements may beprovided, for example, with opaque, IR-ablative layers (EP-B 654 150,EP-A 1 069 475) which can be ablated imagewise by means of IR lasers.Other known technologies include layers which can be written by means ofinkjet technology (EP-A 1 072 953), or layers which can be writtenthermographically (EP-A 1 070 989). Following the imagewise writing ofthese layers by means of the technologies appropriate for the purpose,the photopolymerizable layer is exposed through the resultant mask bymeans of actinic light.

Imagewise exposure with actinic radiation takes place on a standardbasis using UV radiation sources which possess significant emission inthe range from about 315 nm to 420 nm (longwave UV region to violetregion of the visible spectrum). The most frequently used radiationsource is UV/A tubes, which possess an emission maximum at a wavelengthof about 370 nm and generate UV intensities of 10 mW/cm²-30 mW/cm²,measured at a distance of 50 mm (typical distance from the radiationsource to the surface of the flexographic printing element). UV/A tubesof this kind are available for example under the “R-UVA TL 10R”designation from Philips. Use is also made, moreover, of mercury vapourlamps for the imagewise exposure, with preference being given to dopedmedium-pressure mercury vapour lamps, since doping with iron and/orgallium, for example, allows an increase in the fraction emitted in theUV/A region.

Recently, for the radiation curing of photopolymerizable compositions,there is also increasing use of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) which emitUV light.

Common LED systems for UV curing are focused presently in practice onthe wavelengths 395 nm and also 365 nm. Other possible spectral rangesare 350 nm, 375 nm, 385 nm, and 405 nm. Scientific publicationsadditionally mention the wavelengths 210, 250 nm, 275 nm, and 290 nm.LEDs are distinguished by a narrow intensity distribution (typically+/−10-20 nm). They have no significant warm-up phase and can beregulated to about 1% to 100% of the maximum intensity.

Using UV light-emitting diodes it is possible to achieve power levels ofa few watts/cm², and the efficiency, depending on the UV LED system, isbetween 1% and 20%. Here it is possible to apply the following roughrule of thumb: the shorter the wavelength, the lower the efficiency. Theshorter the intended emission wavelength, the higher the productioncosts. At the present time, LED systems for areal curing are availablecommercially with a wavelength of 395 nm and a UV power between 1-4W/cm², and with a wavelength of 365 nm in the 0.5-2 W/cm² range, fromvarious suppliers.

During the exposure of photopolymer plates with UV light through a maskproduced by laser ablation, an unwanted effect which occurs is theinhibition of the polymerization as a result of oxygen, which diffusesinto the photopolymer layer from the surrounding atmosphere. The sameeffect occurs if a layer imagable digitally by means of othertechnologies is employed, since these layers are generally only a fewmicrometers thick and hence are sufficiently thin that the oxygen fromthe ambient air is able to diffuse through them.

As a result of the oxygen inhibition, the surfaces of the halftone dotsare rounded. Relatively small halftone dots are unable to experiencesufficient polymerization, and are removed during the washing procedure.The resolution of the flexographic printing plates produced under theinfluence of oxygen is low.

One possibility of shutting out atmospheric oxygen during exposure is tocarry out exposure under nitrogen, for example, as described in U.S.2009/0186308. In other processes, a film or other oxygen barrier layeris laminated on before surface UV exposure, thereby preventingsubsequent diffusion of the oxygen, as described in U.S. 2013/0017493.The bather layer may also be integrated into the construction of theflexographic printing plate, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,275 orin U.S. Pat. No. 8,492,074, for example. Or photopolymerizable layersare described comprising adjuvants which shut out the effect of theoxygen on the crosslinking reaction, as described in U.S. Pat. No.8,808,968. In all of the processes stated it is possible to reproducerelatively fine details on the flexographic printing plate.

One elegant process for producing high-resolution flexographic printingplates is the exposure of the flexographic printing plate by means ofhigh-energy UV-LED radiation. In this process, the oxygen is noteliminated, but its inhibiting effect is minimized by the exposure usinghigh-energy radiation.

WO 2012/010459, for example, describes the combined exposure of aflexographic printing plate by means of high-energy UV-LED radiation,followed by exposure with conventional UV tubes. Exposure in a flatembodiment is described.

U.S. 2011/0104615 describes the process of IN-LED exposure preferably ona drum exposure unit, on the side of which there is mounted a UV-LEDstrip which moves parallel to the axis of the drum while the drum isrotating. The rotational speed of the drum and hence the energy inputper exposure cycle can be varied. Through choice of the speed ofrotation, the operator is able to control whether round or flat halftonedots are produced on the flexographic printing plate.

Also described is a flat embodiment of the UV-LED exposure, in which theUV-LED exposure unit is guided back and forth across the width of theprinting plate, while the printing plate is displaced in thelongitudinal direction.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,772,740 describes how both flat-surface halftone dotsand rounded-surface halftone dots can be generated on a printing plateby means of UV-LED exposure. In this case, the printing plate is writtenwith a laser a first time and is then exposed so as to form flat-surfacehalftone dots. The printing plate is then written a second time with alaser and subsequently exposed so as to form rounded halftone dots. Theprocess, however, is very costly and inconvenient, and has therefore notbecome established in practice.

In U.S. Pat. No.8,578,854, the UV-LED exposure of flexographic printingplates is described, where the UV-LED exposure unit is located in areflector tunnel. In the reflector tunnel, the UV-LED radiation isadditionally scattered, allowing halftone dots with broader anchoring tobe produced. The process can be implemented for flat and round printingplates.

Lastly, WO 2014/035566 describes a flexographic printing plate which isexposed using UV-LEDs, the exposure taking place with two differentwavelengths (365 nm and 395 nm). This type of exposure is said to makeit possible to control anchoring, and the flank angle of the halftonedots, in order to achieve a good print outcome.

Common to all types of UV-LED exposure is the fact that there arenumerous different parameters which may influence the exposure outcome.Important parameters are, for example, the distance of the UV-LED stripfrom the printing plate surface, the luminous power of the UV-LED strip,the emission angle, the wavelength, the advancement rate of the UV-LEDstrip, or, in the case of exposure on a drum, the rotation rate, thetotal energy input into the photopolymerizable layer, and, in the caseof multiple partial exposure, the energy input per partial exposure.

These various parameters allow the exposure outcome to be controlledand, for example, tailor-made exposure settings to be realized fordifferent print applications. Accompanying the variability of UV-LEDexposure, however, is a high susceptibility to error. If only oneparameter is not correctly set, the processed plate is unusable.

It is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide an automatedmethod for the UV-LED exposure of flexographic printing plates, whichpermits a diversity of different types of exposure but which minimizesthe frequency of errors.

The object is achieved by a method for producing flexographic printingplates, using as starting material a photopolymerizable flexographicprinting plate which at least comprises, arranged one above another,

-   -   a dimensionally stable support,    -   at least one photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer, at least        comprising an elastomeric binder, an ethylenically unsaturated        compound and a photoinitiator,    -   a digitally imagable layer,        comprising at least the following steps:

-   (a) producing a mask by imaging the digitally imagable layer,

-   (b) exposing the flexographic printing plate through the mask with    actinic light, and photopolymerizing the image regions of the layer,    the exposing taking place with a plurality of UV-LEDs which are    arranged on at least one UV-LED strip which is moved relative to the    surface of the flexographic printing plate, and

-   (c) developing the photopolymerized layer by washing out and drying    or by thermal development,    characterized in that    -   in the UV-LED strip or in a separate strip, at least one        ultrasonic sensor is arranged,    -   at least the thickness of the flexographic printing plate for        exposure is determined with the at least one ultrasonic sensor,    -   depending on the measured thickness of the flexographic printing        plate, the exposing of the flexographic printing plate is        controlled in respect of at least one of the following        parameters:        -   (i) number of exposure steps,        -   (ii) exposure intensity,        -   (iii) energy input per exposure step,        -   (iv) duration of the individual exposure steps,        -   (v) overall duration of exposure.

The control of the exposure takes place preferably in relation to aplurality of parameters (i)-(v), more preferably in respect of allparameters (i)-(v).

Depending on the measured thickness of the flexographic printing plate,control is exerted over the number of exposure steps, the exposureintensity, and the energy input per exposure step. The energy input perexposure step is as product of the exposure intensity and of the rate atwhich the UV-LED strip is displaced relative to the plate surface. Thisrate and the length of the flexographic printing plate determine theduration of an exposure step. Depending on the measured length of theflexographic printing plate, the overall duration of exposure can beregulated by means of breaks between the individual exposure steps.

The total energy (J/cm²) input into the photopolymerizable layerthroughout exposure (b) is set according to the reactivity of theprinting plate. Typical energies needed for the crosslinking of aflexographic printing plate are in the range from 5 to 25 J/cm².

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the overall energy inputinto the photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer in step (b) is 5 to 25J/cm².

Generally speaking, the UV-LEDs used in step (b) have an emissionmaximum in the wavelength range of 350-405 nm, for example at 350 nm,365 nm, 375 nm, 385 nm, 395 run or 405 nm. The power of the UV-LED stripis preferably in a range from 500 to 5000 mW/cm².

This energy is preferably not input into the photopolymerizable layer inone exposure step, but is instead distributed over a number of partialexposures (exposure steps); preferably, at least 3 partial exposures arecarried out.

It has been found that in the exposure of the photopolymerizable layerwith high exposure intensity by means of UV-LEDs, the phenomenon knownas “cupping” of the halftone dots of the printing relief layer can beminimized, and the depths between the halftone dots can be enlarged, ifthe overall exposure energy is introduced not in a single exposure step,but is instead distributed over a number of exposure steps.

Generally speaking, the UV-LED strip is moved with a relative speed of50 to 5000 mm/min parallel to the surface of the flexographic printingelement.

Accordingly, depending on the printing plate thickness measured by theat least one ultrasonic sensor, adjustments are made to the number ofexposure steps, the duration of an individual exposure step, and theenergy input per exposure step, by displacement of the UV-LED strip at arate in the range from 50 mm/min to 5000 mm/min relative to the surfaceof the flexographic printing plate.

Generally speaking, the at least one ultrasonic sensor also determinesthe distance of the UV-LED strip from the surface of the flexographicprinting plate, and the UV-LED strip is positioned at a defined distancefrom the surface of the flexographic printing plate.

In one preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, there are aplurality of ultrasonic sensors arranged in the UV-LED strip, in order,additionally, to measure the width of the flexographic printing platefor exposure. In the exposure of the flexographic printing plate, inthat case, only the UV-LEDs necessary for exposure, corresponding to themeasured width, are switched on.

In a further preferred embodiment, the width of the flexographicprinting plate is measured with only one ultrasonic sensor. This sensorcan be displaced along the UV-LED strip.

In another preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, beforeUV-LED exposure, an additional determination is also made of the lengthof the flexographic printing plate for exposure. Accordingly, theexposure program can be harmonized optimally with the format of theflexographic printing plate.

In one embodiment of the invention, the energy input per exposure stepremains constant over the total duration of the exposure (b). Forexample, 10 to 50 exposure steps are carried out with an energy input of0.1 to 1 J/cm².

In one preferred embodiment, the energy input per exposure stepincreases over the total time of the exposure (b); in other words, ahigher energy is input in a later exposure step than in an earlierexposure step.

In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of exposure steps with lowenergy input are carried out first of all, and subsequently one or moreexposure steps with higher energy input. For example, first 10 to 40exposure steps with an energy input of 0.1 to 1 J/cm² and then 1 to 5exposure steps with 2 to 5 J/cm² are carried out.

The individual exposure steps are realized by moving the at least oneUV-LED strip parallel to the surface of the flexographic printingelement. In this case the UV-LED strip or strips may be mobile or theUV-LED strips may be fixed and the surface of the flexographic printingelement may be mobile, or both possibilities may be realized.

In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the flexographicprinting plate is moved. In a preferred embodiment of the method of theinvention, the flexographic printing plate is moved and one UV-LED stripis arranged movably, while another UV-LED strip is arranged fixedly. Inthis embodiment of the invention, the plurality of UV-LEDs are arrangedalongside one another on at least two UV-LED strips, of which at leastone is movable and at least one is fixed. In this arrangement, one ormore ultrasonic sensors may be arranged on one or more UV-LED strips, inorder to adjust the distance of the UV-LED strips relative to theflexographic printing plate, and to obtain the flexographic printingplate format for exposure.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the exposing encompasses aplurality of exposure steps, the UV-LED strip being displaced atdifferent rates relative to the flexographic printing plate.

If the exposing encompasses a plurality of exposure steps, the overallduration of exposure, depending on the length of the flexographicprinting plate, may be adjusted by breaks between the individualexposure steps. This is advantageous when flexographic printing plateshaving different dimensions are to be exposed. By maintaining breaksbetween the individual exposure steps, in the exposure of relativelysmall flexographic printing plates, the overall duration of exposure canbe kept constant, and smaller and larger flexographic printing platescan be exposed with an identical exposure program, thus producingidentical exposure results.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the exposure comprises aplurality of exposure steps, the UV-LED strip being movable and beingpassed back and forth between a start position and an end positionrelative to the flexographic printing plate.

In one variant the UV-LED strip is switched off when being moved fromthe end position into the starting position.

In a further variant, the UV-LED strip is not switched off on beingdisplaced from the end to the start position.

The invention is elucidated in more detail below with reference to thefigures. The drawings show the following:

FIG. 1 shows, diagrammatically, an embodiment with only one ultrasonicsensor in the UV-LED strip.

FIG. 2 shows, diagrammatically, a preferred embodiment with a pluralityof ultrasonic sensors in the UV-LED strip.

Exposure (b) is performed preferably on an XY stage having a width X anda length Y, by means of one or more UV-LED strips which are moved alongthe surface of the flexographic printing plate. FIG. 1 shows adiagrammatic drawing of an XY stage with a UV-LED strip. The UV-LEDstrip 2 customarily extends over the entire width of the XY stage,thereby covering the entire width of the exposure unit 4. Duringexposure, the UV-LED strip is moved with a defined advancement rate overthe entire length of the printing plate 3. The length thereof mayamount, for example, to 2 m. Exposure may take place in one pass or in aplurality of passes (exposure steps). During such treatment, theadvancement rate may be kept constant or varied. Between the individualpartial exposures (exposure steps) there may be breaks. The partialexposures may be accomplished by displacing the switched-on UV-LED striponly in one direction or traversingly (by passing the switched-on UV-LEDstrip back and forth).

A typical UV-LED strip is constructed from individual LED arrays,consisting each of 4 LEDs in a square arrangement, thus emitting auniform luminous intensity over the entire length of the LED strip. In atypical LED strip 1 m long, for example, there are a total of 125 LEDarrays arranged, corresponding to 500 individual LEDs. Customarily 10 to20 LED arrays are assembled in each case into individual modules. Thesemodules can be driven separately.

In one embodiment an ultrasonic sensor 1 is mounted on the leading sideof the UV-LED strip 2 and allows measurement of the thickness of theflexographic printing plate for exposure. When the UV-LED strip runsover the flexographic printing plate ahead of the actual exposure, theultrasonic sensor 1 can also be used to detect the length of theflexographic printing plate for exposure. If the ultrasonic sensor 1 ismounted movably on the UV-LED strip and can be displaced along theUV-LED strip, then an ultrasonic sensor can be used to detect thethickness of the flexographic printing plate for exposure, and also itslength and width.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an ultrasonic sensor 1 ismounted for each driveable LED module, providing for automatic detectionnot only of the distance of the

UV-LED strip from the plate surface but also of the width and length ofthe flexographic printing plate for exposure, if the UV-LED strip isdisplaced over the flexographic printing plate ahead of the actualexposure.

In a further arrangement according to the invention, the sensors 1 aremounted on both sides of the UV-LED strip 2, enabling automatic controlin the traversal operation of the UV-LED strip as well.

The sensors are connected to a control unit. This control unit adjuststhe distance of the UV-LED strip from the surface of the flexographicprinting element, and also controls all other parameters of the exposureoperation (exposure intensity, advancement rate of the strip, on and offswitching of the UV-LED strip, number of exposure steps, breaks betweenindividual exposure steps).

For example, the method of the invention can be carried out in such away that the flexographic printing element 3 for exposure is positionedin a corner of the XY stage 4 prior to exposure. The UV-LED strip 2 thentravels a few cm over the plate, with the sensors 1 detecting the widthof the flexographic printing element and also its thickness. The datadetermined by the sensors is transmitted to the control unit. The UV-LEDstrip travels back into the start position again. The exposure programstored in the control unit for the relevant plate thickness is thenstarted.

The UV-LED strip starts with the particular selected advancement rate.As soon as the sensors detect the edge of the printing plate, the UV-LEDstrip switches on automatically, with the luminous power selected by theexposure program. In order to save energy, only those LED modules whichare located above the printing plate are switched on. As soon as thesensors detect the end of the printing plate, the UV-LED strip switchesoff automatically and travels at maximum advancement rate back into thestart position. After a break, where necessary, the next partialexposure starts, with the luminous power and advancement rate stored inthe exposure program. These operations are repeated until the exposureprogram stored in the control unit has run to completion.

As an alternative to this, prior to the exposure, the UV-LED strip canbe displaced over the entire flexographic printing plate and is ableaccordingly to detect the format of the flexographic printing plate forexposure.

In order to produce optimum halftone dot forms, it may further benecessary to raise the energy input of the partial exposures in thecourse of the exposure procedure. For example, first of all a pluralityof partial exposures are carried out with high advancement rate (i.e.low energy input), followed by a partial exposure with a low advancementrate (i.e. high energy input). Alternatively, the advancement rate islowered continuously or the energy input of the partial exposures israised continuously in the course of the exposure procedure.

The processes which occur in the printing plate during irradiation withUVA light are complex and have different consequences, depending on thethickness of the photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer of theflexographic printing plate. A number of processes are running inparallel, and must be considered in three dimensions, in order to beable to explain and influence the development of the optimum halftonedot geometry for subsequent printing.

Following absorption of the UVA light, a photoinitiator molecule presentin the printing plate breaks down into two radicals. The radicalsproduced react in a radical chain reaction with the low molecular masscrosslinker that is present in the printing plate. Since the crosslinkeris polyfunctional, the polymerization results in the formation ofnetworks, which cause insolubility in the exposed regions of theprinting plate. The speed of the photopolymerization is generally veryquick and is dependent in a first approximation on the concentration ofthe available crosslinker and of the available radicals.

Radical chain reactions are inhibited by the presence of oxygen, sinceoxygen scavenges reactive radicals and converts them into more stableradicals which are no longer available for further polymerization.

In the case of typical tube exposure, the printing plate is irradiatedfor a time of around 10 minutes with UVA light of low power (around 20mW/cm²). At this low power, the rate of the chain initiation reaction isin the same order as the rate of the chain termination reaction. In theexposed regions of the printing plate, therefore, the terminationreaction with oxygen proceeds as a competing reaction to thepolymerization initiated by formation of radicals. Oxygen from theambient air is able to diffuse subsequently at the surface of theprinting plate. In the case of tube exposure, therefore, halftone dotson the surface of the printing plate are usually not imaged exactly, butinstead have rounded dot surfaces. The skilled person refers toround-top dots (RTDs).

In the case of UV-LED exposure, higher radiation doses are input intothe plate in a very much shorter time. In the case of a typical UV-LEDexposure, the irradiated power is around 1000 mW/cm². At a customaryirradiation width of about 30 mm and with rates of advance of 100 to5000 mm/min, the exposure time is below one minute, usually in theregion of a few seconds. Under these conditions, the concentration ofthe radicals generated by absorption of light in the exposed regions ofthe photopolymerizable layer is higher by orders of magnitude than inthe case of tube exposure. The chain initiation reaction is very muchquicker than the chain termination reaction. The oxygen that is presentin or diffuses subsequently into the photopolymerizable layer is nolonger able to exert any substantial influence over photopolymerization.The halftone dots are therefore imaged exactly to the boundary of theunexposed region. Halftone dots with sharp edges are produced. Theskilled person refers to flat-top dots (FTDs).

In accordance with the invention, exposure can take place in such a waythat FTD halftone dots are produced. The chain initiation reaction isvery much quicker than the oxygen-mediated chain termination reaction.Nevertheless, the presence of oxygen and its subsequent diffusion stillplay a considerable part at the boundary between exposed and unexposedregions of the printing plate.

Without being tied to any particular theory, it is thought that there isa further effect to be considered under UV-LED exposure conditions. As aresult of the high exposure intensity, there is a sudden depletion ofcrosslinker in the exposed regions of the printing plate. The reactionsubsequently proceeds under diffusion control, and is fed by diffusionof the crosslinker from the adjacent, unexposed regions. The diffusionof the crosslinker, however, is comparatively slow, and therefore actsonly in a narrow region around the boundary between image and nonimageregions. As a result of the diffusion of the crosslinker, at theboundary between unexposed and exposed regions of the printing plate,there is significant transport of material, which substantiallydetermines the shape of the halftone dot and in particular the edges ofthe halftone dot. The phenomenon of the formation of measurable edges atthe boundaries of the image elements is known to the skilled person. Itis referred to as cupping, The correlation of the phenomenon of cuppingwith the diffusion of the crosslinker in the photopolymerizable layerhas not hitherto been acknowledged, however.

Accordingly, in the exposure of flexographic printing plates withhigh-energy UV-LED radiation, there is competition between processes of(1) light absorption and radical formation, (2) polymerization, (3)diffusion of oxygen into the photopolymerizable layer and chaintermination, and (4) diffusion of the crosslinker in thephotopolymerizable layer, and the interplay of these processes, alsodepending on the thickness of the flexographic printing plate,determines the shape of the relief elements and hence also theirprinting characteristics.

The luminous intensity at the level of the surface of the flexographicprinting plate is measured using a suitable, calibrated UV measuringdevice, the sensor of the measuring device being placed at the samedistance from the radiation source as the plate surface would be fromthe radiation source. Suitable UV measuring devices are availablecommercially from a variety of suppliers. Important factors here arethat the measuring device is calibrated and sensitive within the UVwavelength range under test.

If a flexographic printing plate is to be exposed with a plurality ofpartial exposures with high advancement rate, it is sensible to displacethe UV-LED strip back and forth and in this case not to switch off theUV-LED strip as it travels back into the start position; in this way, asignificant time saving can be achieved.

Particularly in the case of relatively thick flexographic printingplates, it may be necessary to combine the UV-LED exposure with asubsequent surface exposure by means of UVA tubes. These tubes may bemounted above the XY stage and may be started automatically by thecontrol unit as soon as the UV-LED exposure is at an end.

In one embodiment of the method of the invention, therefore, after step(b), additionally, exposure takes place with a UVA tube exposure unit.

An individual exposure program can be stored in the control unit foreach type of plate defined by its thickness, thereby eliminating thepossibilities for error. Similarly, different exposure programs can besaved for different plate formats, thereby again eliminatingpossibilities for error and permitting economic exposure, i.e. extremelyrapid exposure, to be realized.

UV-LED Strip

The power of the UV-LED strip is preferably in a range from 500 to 5000mW/cm², more preferably in a range from 600 to 2000 mW/cm². This poweris determined with a UVA meter at a distance of 10 mm between measuringsensor and protective window of the LED strip. For this purpose, themeasurement sensor is positioned on the base plate of the exposure unitand the light-emitting UV-LED strip is run over the sensor, whichrecords an intensity profile whose maximum corresponds to the exposureintensity. The luminous power irradiated at the surface of theflexographic printing plate is correspondingly lower when there is agreater distance between UV-LED strip and irradiated surface, andcorrespondingly higher when there is a smaller distance between UV-LEDstrip and irradiated surface. The power (luminous intensity) irradiatedat the surface of the flexographic printing plate, in accordance withthe invention, is 100 to 5000 mW/cm², preferably 500 to 5000 mW/cm², andmore preferably 600 to 2000 mW/cm². Possible wavelengths of the UV-LEDstrip are 355 nm, 365 nm, 375 nm, 395 nm and 405 nm; a preferredwavelength is 365 nm.

A typical UV-LED strip possesses a beam window width of about 10 mm andis constructed from linearly arranged LED arrays, consisting each of 4LEDs in a square arrangement, thus emitting a uniform luminous intensityover the entire length of the LED strip.

In a typical LED strip 1 m long, for example, there are a total of 125LED arrays arranged, corresponding to 500 individual LEDs. 10 to 20 LEDarrays in each case are assembled in each case to give individualmodules. These modules can be replaced relatively easily and can beseparately driven—that is, switched on and off or regulated in terms ofluminous power.

The UV-LED arrays may also be arranged in an offset manner in order toirradiate a greater area. In that case, however, the UV-LED strip mustbe fitted with mirrors, preferably at the sides, in order to ensureuniform illumination of the irradiated area.

The UV-LED strip typically emits light with a certain emission angle.Typical emission angles are in a range from 20 to 70 degrees; in thecase of UV-LED strips of linear construction, they are in a range from20 to 40 degrees. The width of the irradiated area element can becalculated from the beam window width, the emission angle and thedistance of the LED strip from the surface of the printing plate.

The distance of the strip from the surface of the printing plate isusually 5 mm to 100 mm, preferably 5 to 30 mm. With a typical UV-LEDstrip having a beam window width of about 10 mm, the width of theirradiated area element is in a range from 15 to 100 mm, or between 15and 40 mm in the case of a small distance of about 10 mm from the platesurface.

The rate at which the UV-LED strip is moved relative to the surface ofthe flexographic printing plate is in the range from 50 mm/min to 5000mm/min, preferably from 100 mm/min to 5000 mm/min.

The energy input per partial exposure can then be determined from thewidth of the irradiated surface element and the measured luminous powerand the selected advancement. For example, in the case of an LEDexposure unit UVA power of 800 mW/cm², an irradiated surface elementwidth of 25 mm and a typical advancement rate of 250 mm/min, theirradiation time is 6 seconds and the energy input is 4.8 J/cm².

Ultrasonic Sensor

The sensors mounted on the UV-LED strip or on a separate strip are basedon the reflection of ultrasound waves and in general supply linearanalogue signals as a function of the plate thickness. Measurement maybe carried out reliably, for example, of the thicknesses of allcommercial flexographic printing plate types, using ultrasonic sensorsfrom the company Pepperl und Fuchs, 68307 Mannheim, Germany.

According to the invention at least one ultrasonic sensor in each caseis mounted on the UV-LED strip or strips or on a separate strip. Wherenot only the plate thickness and plate length but also the width of theflexographic printing plate for exposure are to be detected, there ispreferably one thickness sensor arranged per UV-LED module on the UV-LEDstrip. Alternatively, the ultrasonic sensor may also he mounted movablyon the UV-LED strip or on the separate strip, and the width of theflexographic printing plate for exposure can be ascertained bydisplacing the sensor along the UV-LED strip or the separate strip. Atthe exposure stage, only the modules required for exposure are switchedon. In this way, a considerable quantity of energy can be saved,particularly when exposing small plate formats.

If the flexographic printing plates are to be exposed by means of aUV-LED strip not only in one direction, but also in traversal mode, itis advisable to install a further ultrasonic sensor on the trailing sideof the UV-LED strip. Since this sensor serves only to switch the UV-LEDstrip on and off in the case of the backward movement, respectively, ameasuring sensor is sufficient here.

Flexographic Printing Plate Processing

Generally speaking, the flexographic printing plate is subjected topreliminary exposure from the reverse. For this purpose, before step (b)is performed, the layer of photopolymerizable material is pre-exposedwith actinic light through the UV-transparent support film, from thereverse of the photopolymerizable flexographic printing plate.Preliminary reverse exposure is carried out preferably in the case offlexographic printing plates having a thickness of ≧1 mm, this figurerelating to the sum total of dimensionally stable support film andphotopolymerizable layer.

Generally speaking, preliminary reverse exposure takes place using a UVtube or a UV emitter.

The photopolymerizable flexographic printing plate used as startingmaterial comprises—arranged above one another—at least

-   -   a dimensionally stable support, and    -   at least one photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer, at least        comprising an elastomeric binder, an ethylenically unsaturated        compound, and a photoinitiator,    -   a digitally imagable layer.

If preliminary reverse exposure of the flexographic printing plate is tobe carried out, the dimensionally stable support must be transparent toUV light. Preferred supports are polymeric films made from PET or otherpolyesters.

The flexographic printing plate further comprises at least onephotopolymerizable, relief-forming layer. The photopolymerizable,relief-forming layer may be applied directly on the support. Between thesupport and the relief-forming layer, however, there may also be otherlayers, such as adhesion layers and/or resilient underlayers.

Between the support film, optionally coated with an adhesion layer, andthe photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer there may be an elastomericsupport layer. The support layer may optionally be compressible orphotochemically crosslinkable.

The photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer comprises at least oneelastomeric binder, an ethylenically unsaturated compound, aphotoinitiator or a photoinitiator system, and also, optionally, one ormore further components, examples being plasticizers, processingassistants, dyes, and UV absorbers.

Elastomeric binders for producing flexographic printing elements areknown to the skilled person. Examples include styrene-diene blockcopolymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyethyleneoxide-polyvinyl alcohol graft copolymers, natural rubber, polybutadiene,polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, butylrubber, styrene-isoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene-isoprene rubber,polynorbornene rubber, or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM). It ispreferred to use hydrophobic binders. Binders of this kind are solubleor at least swellable in organic solvents, whereas in water they arelargely insoluble and are also not swellable, or at least notsubstantially swellable, in water.

One preferred embodiment uses a binder of the styrene-butadiene type.Particularly preferred binders are linear, radial, or branched blockcopolymers of the styrene-butadiene type. These block copolymers have anaverage molecular weight M_(w) (weight average) of 80 000 to 250 000g/mol, preferably 80 000 to 150 000 g/mol, and more preferably of 90 000to 130 000 g/mol, and have a styrene content of 20% to 40% by weight,preferably 20% to 35% by weight, and more preferably of 20% to 30% byweight.

In another preferred embodiment, the binder is of the styrene-isoprenetype. Preferred binders of the styrene-isoprene type contain generally13% to 40% by weight, preferably 13% to 35% by weight, and morepreferably from 14% to 30% by weight of styrene.

The total amount of binders in the case of the relief-forming layer istypically 40% to 90% by weight, relative to the sum of all of theconstituents of the relief-forming layer, preferably 40% to 80% byweight, and more preferably 45% to 75% by weight.

In the case of an optionally present elastomeric support layer, thetotal amount of elastomeric binders may be up to 100% by weight.Typically it is 75% to 100% by weight, preferably 85% to 100% by weight,and more preferably 90% to 100% by weight.

The photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer further comprises, in aknown way, at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound which iscompatible with the binders. Suitable compounds have at least oneethylenically unsaturated double bond and are polymerizable. They aretherefore referred to below as monomers. Having proven particularlyadvantageous are esters or amides of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acidwith mono- or polyfunctional alcohols, amines, amino alcohols orhydroxyl ethers and hydroxyl esters, esters of fumaric or maleic acid,vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, or allyl compounds. The amount of monomersin the photopolymerizable, relief-forming layer is generally not morethan 20% by weight, relative to the amount of all constituents, and ingeneral is between 3% and 15% by weight.

In a way which is known in principle, the photopolymerizable,relief-forming layer further comprises at least one photoinitiator or aphotoinitiator system. Examples of suitable initiators are benzoin orbenzoin derivatives, such as methylbenzoin or benzoin ethers, benzilderivatives, such as benzil ketals, acylarylphosphine oxides,acrylarylphosphinic esters, α-hydroxy ketones, polycyclic quinones, orbenzophenones. The amount of photoinitiator in the relief-forming layeris generally 0.1% to 5% by weight, relative to the amount of all of theconstituents of the relief-forming layer.

The elastomeric support layer may likewise comprise the aforementionedethylenically unsaturated compounds and the aforementionedphotoinitiators, and preferably does comprise them, and is thereforephotopolymerizable like the relief-forming layer. Generally speaking,the amount of ethylenically unsaturated compounds in the support layeris 0% to 15% by weight. In general the amount of photoinitiator in thesupport layer is 0% to 5% by weight.

The relief-forming layer and optionally the optional elastomeric supportlayer may comprise plasticizers. Mixtures of different plasticizers canbe used as well. Preference is given to polybutadiene oils, moreparticularly those having a molecular weight of between 500 and 5000g/mol, high-boiling aliphatic esters such as, more particularly, estersof alkylmonocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acids, examples being stearatesor adipates, and mineral oils. The amount of an optionally presentplasticizer is determined by the skilled person in accordance with thedesired properties of the layer. In general it will not exceed 50% byweight of the sum total of all of the constituents of thephotopolymerizable, relief forming layer; in general it is 0% to 50% byweight, preferably 0% to 40% by weight.

The thickness of the photopolymerizable layer is generally 0.4 to 7 mm,preferably 0.5 to 4 mm, and more preferably 0.7 to 2.5 mm.

The imaging of the digitally imagable layer is performed by means ofdigital masks. Masks of this kind are also known as in situ masks. Forthis purpose, a digitally imagable layer is first applied to thephotopolymerizable, relief-forming layer. The digitally imagable layeris preferably an IR-ablative layer, inkjet layer or layer which can bewritten thermographically. The digitally imagable layer is preferably alayer which can be ablated using an IR laser (IR-ablative layer).

IR-ablative layers and masks are opaque to the wavelength of actiniclight and typically comprise at least one binder, an IR absorber such ascarbon black, for example, and also an absorber for UV radiation; thefunction of the IR absorber and UV absorber may also be performed byjust one substance, as is the case, for example, when carbon black isused as IR absorber. A mask can be written into the IR-ablative layer bymeans of an IR laser—in other words, at the points at which it is struckby the laser beam, the layer is decomposed and ablated. Irradiation cantake place imagewise with actinic light through the resultant mask.

In the case of inkjet layers, a layer which can be written with inkjetinks, such as a gelatin layer, is applied. This layer is imagable bymeans of inkjet printers.

Thermographic layers are layers comprising substances which turn blackin colour under the influence of heat. Layers of this kind comprise, forexample, a binder and an organic silver salt, and can be imaged by meansof a printer with a thermal head or by means of IR lasers.

Optionally there may be further functional layers located between thedigitally imagable layer and the relief-forming layer. For example, athin, oxygen barrier layer, or a rough functional layer provided withmatting agents, giving the flexographic printing plate a defined surfaceroughness, may be present.

The method of the invention can be carried out by inserting the startingmaterial first into a receiving unit, by means, for example, of placingit onto a conveyor belt or charging the magazine. If the startingmaterial has a protective sheet, then, unless the receiving unit has anautomatic removal means, said sheet must be removed.

In the method step (a), the digitally imagable layer is imaged in animaging unit by means of the technology required in each case. The imageinformation is taken directly from a control unit.

In the method step (b), the imaged flexographic printing plate isirradiated by means of the exposure unit through the mask that has beenproduced, using actinic light—that is, chemically active light.

During the irradiation of flexographic printing plates by means ofUV-LED strips within the stated power range, there may be local, severeheating of the printing plate. Particularly in the case of a slowoperation and high power, temperatures of up to 80° C. may be reached inthe printing plate for short periods. Simply in order to limit thetemperature increase, it may be necessary to divide the overall exposureinto a plurality of partial exposures (exposure steps). Furthermore, itmay be advantageous to provide an air knife for cooling between LEDstrip and printing plate surface. In one embodiment of the invention,the air knife is synchronized with the switching on and off of theUV-LED strip. Furthermore, the baseplate of the exposure unit may beprovided with cooling, in order to allow the heat generated byabsorption and chemical reaction to be removed again quickly.

If the printing plate is exposed in a plurality of partial exposures bymeans of UV-LED, the energy input per exposure passage is between 0.1and 5 J/cm². In this case, the input energy of the partial exposures maybe kept constant (constant advancement rate) or may be increased in thecourse of exposure (decreasing advancement rate). Printinginvestigations show that it may be advantageous to carry out a pluralityof partial exposures with high advancement rate (low energy input) andthereafter to carry out one or more partial exposures with slowadvancement rate (high energy input). For example, first 10 to 40exposure cycles with an energy input of 0.1 to 1 J/cm² and then 1 to 5exposure cycles with 2 to 5 J/cm² are carried out.

The type of exposure optimized for a type of printing plate and a formatof printing plate cannot necessarily be transposed to a differentformat. If an exposure program optimized for a large printing plateformat, with a plurality of partial exposures, is to be transposed to asmaller format, it may indeed be possible to adopt the optimumadvancement rates. In order to obtain identical outcomes in the exposureof the smaller format, however, it is then necessary to providecorresponding breaks between the partial exposures, so that the overallduration of the exposure process is the same for both large and smallflexographic printing plates.

Different exposure programs can be stored in the control unit for eachtype of flexographic printing plate. For one type of printing plate, forexample, a program can be stored which yields the best results inhigh-quality halftone printing on film (high quality setting). Thisexposure program may be supplemented by a second program, which allows ashort overall exposure time with good print outcomes (commercialsetting).

The exposure method of the invention allows further embodiments as well.For example, plates of different thicknesses can be exposed in parallel.In this embodiment, the height setting is corrected automatically assoon as the UV-LED strip and the ultrasonic sensor have reached thesecond flexographic printing plate. Where two or more flexographicprinting plates are placed on the XY stage at a distance, a “skip”function can be activated. This allows rapid bridging of the distancebetween the printing plates, with the UV-LED strip switched off.

Of course, the UV-LED exposure in accordance with the invention, withautomatic detection of thickness and format, is not confined toembodiments in which the printing plate remains fixedly on the XY stageand the UV-LED strip moves over it.

Particularly in an automatic plate processing system, in which theprinting plate is transported at a constant rate and undergoes theindividual processing steps, the individual exposure steps will berealized with a plurality of fixed UV-LED strips beneath which the platepasses. Here as well, one or more UV-LED strips may be equipped withsensors which detect the distance of the strips from the printing platesurface and which control the exposure process. Detection of thethickness of the flexographic printing plates can also be employed forthe purpose of automatic setting of the wash-out rate and automaticheight setting of the wash brushes in the subsequent wash-out unit, orfor setting the drying time in the downstream drying step.

In another variant of an automatic plate processing system, the printingplate is transported at a constant rate, and the UV-LED strip, equippedwith sensors, is displaced back and forth in the transport direction ata higher rate than the transport rate, in order to realize exposurecycles with low energy input. The UVA-LED strip is subsequently bedisplaced into a stationary position at the end of the exposure section,in which an exposure step with higher energy input is realized. Sincethe power of a UV-LED strip is almost infinitely regulatable, numerousvariants are possible here.

Alternatively, the partial exposures with low energy may also berealized such that a UV-LED strip is mounted longitudinally to the webdirection and is moved back and forth, and at the end of the exposuresection a second or third UV-LED strip is then run through transverse tothe transport direction. The recognition of the printing plate thicknessand of the printing plate format prior to exposure may also take placein this variant. In this embodiment as well, for the purpose ofcontrolling the UV-LED strips and for switching the UV-LED strips on andoff, one or more ultrasonic sensors are mounted on each of the UV-LEDstrips.

The exposure method of the invention is not confined to flatembodiments. The UV-LED exposure may also be realized in a drum on whichthe flexographic printing plate for exposure has been mounted. Followingrecognition of thickness and format by the ultrasonic sensors, thedistance of the UV-LED strip from the printing plate surface iscorrected, and the programmed exposure method is started by the controlunit. Different energy inputs and advancement rates can be realized herevia the power control of the UV-LED strip and via different speeds ofrotation of the drum. In this method, not only flat flexographicprinting plates but also cylindrical flexographic printing plates can beprocessed.

Generally speaking, a preliminary reverse exposure of the flexographicprinting element is also carried out ahead of UV-LED exposure. For thispurpose, the flexographic printing plate is irradiated from the reverseby means of UV light. The reverse UV exposure may be realized by meansof UV tubes or else by means of UV-LED exposure. This step as well canbe realized in a main UV-LED exposure unit, For that purpose, the bed ofthe UV-LED exposure unit must be UV transparent—must be made of glass,for example.

In a method step (c), the imagewisely imaged and exposed flexographicprinting plate is developed by means of a suitable solvent or solventcombination. In this case the unexposed regions, i.e. those covered bythe mask, in the relief layer are removed, while the exposed—i.e.crosslinked—regions are retained. Moreover, the remainders of thedigitally imagable layer are removed.

The developing step is carried out typically at temperatures above 20°C. For reasons of safety and to reduce the cost and complexity of thedeveloping apparatus involved, the temperature when using organicsolvents ought to be 5° C. to 15° C. beneath the flash point of thewashing agent mixture used.

The flexographic printing plate can be dried in a method step (d). Wherethe flexographic printing plate has a PET film support, drying takesplace preferably at a temperature of 40 to 80° C., more preferably at 50to 70° C. Where the dimensionally stable support of the flexographicprinting plate is a metal support, drying may also take place at highertemperatures, up to around 160° C.

In a method step (e), the resultant flexographic printing plates maywhere necessary be subjected additionally to a detackifyingaftertreatment by means of UVA and/or UVC light. Generally speaking,such a step is advisable. If irradiation is to take place with light ofdifferent wavelengths, this may occur simultaneously or else insuccession.

Between the individual method steps, the flexographic printing plate istransported on from one unit to the next.

Development may also be accomplished by thermal means. In the case ofthermal development, no solvent is used. Instead, following imagewiseexposure, the relief-forming layer is brought into contact with anabsorbing material and heated.

1.-15. (canceled)
 16. A method for producing flexographic printingplates, using as starting material a photopolymerizable flexographicprinting plate which comprises, arranged one above another, adimensionally stable support, at least one photopolymerizable,relief-forming layer, comprising an elastomeric binder, an ethylenicallyunsaturated compound and a photoinitiator, a digitally imagable layer,the method comprising: (a) producing a mask by imaging the digitallyimagable layer, (b) exposing the flexographic printing plate through themask with actinic light, and photopolymerizing the image regions of thelayer, the exposing taking place with a plurality of UV-LEDs which arearranged on at least one UV-LED strip which is moved relative to thesurface of the flexographic printing plate, and (c) developing thephotopolymerized layer by washing out and drying or by thermaldevelopment, wherein: in the UV-LED strip or in a separate strip, atleast one ultrasonic sensor is arranged, at least the thickness of theflexographic printing plate for exposure is determined with the at leastone ultrasonic sensor, depending on the measured thickness of theflexographic printing plate, the exposing of the flexographic printingplate is controlled in respect of at least one of the followingparameters: (i) number of exposure steps, (ii) exposure intensity, (iii)energy input per exposure step, (iv) duration of the individual exposuresteps, (v) overall duration of exposure.
 17. The method according toclaim 16, wherein the duration of an individual exposure step and theenergy input per exposure step are adjusted by displacing the UV-LEDstrip at a rate in the range from 50 mm/min to 5000 mm/min relative tothe surface of the flexographic printing plate.
 18. The method accordingto claim 16, characterized in that with the at least one ultrasonicsensor, the distance of the UV-LED strip from the surface of theflexographic printing plate is determined and the UV-LED strip ispositioned at a predetermined distance.
 19. The method according toclaim 16, wherein the UV-LED strip or the separate strip, a plurality ofultrasonic sensors are arranged, and additionally the width of theflexographic printing plate for exposure is determined.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is arranged movablyin the UV-LED strip or the separate strip, and additionally the width ofthe flexographic printing plate for exposure is determined bydisplacement of the ultrasonic sensors along the strip.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 16, wherein the exposure comprises a plurality ofexposure steps, and the overall duration of exposure is adjusted bybreaks between the individual exposure steps.
 22. The method accordingto claim 16, wherein the exposure comprises a plurality of exposuresteps, the UV-LED strip being movable and passing back and forth betweena start position and an end position relative to the flexographicprinting plate.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the UV-LEDstrip is switched off when being displaced from the end position intothe start position.
 24. The method according to claim 22, wherein theUV-LED strip is not switched off when being displaced from the endposition into the start position.
 25. The method according to claim 22,wherein the exposure comprises a plurality of exposure steps, thedisplacing of the UV-LED strip taking place at different advancementrates.
 26. The method according to claim 16, wherein the flexographicprinting plate is moved.
 27. The method according to claim 26, whereinthe exposure comprises a plurality of exposure steps, the flexographicprinting plate being moved and one UV-LED strip being movably arrangedand another UV-LED strip being fixedly arranged.
 28. The methodaccording to claim 16, characterized in that on both sides of the UV-LEDstrip at least one ultrasonic sensor is mounted.
 29. The methodaccording to claim 16, characterized in that after step (b),additionally, exposure takes place with a UVA tube exposure unit. 30.The method according to claim 16, characterized in that before step (b),additionally, preliminary reverse exposure of the flexographic printingplate takes place.